New puddings from Essex producer

Cole’s Puddings has launched two new Christmas puddings, which it says can be enjoyed on any special occasion.

The traditional dessert-maker, based in Saffron Walden, Essex, has announced that it will now offer Black Forest Christmas Pudding, and Festive Plum Pudding.

Cole’s still uses traditional methods, including soaking the fruit in the kirsch, and makes its own breadcrumbs on-site, to give a light texture to the puddings.

Simon Hatcher, operations director of Cole’s Puddings, said: “Retro desserts and flavours are popular at the moment, and we have captured the flavours of traditional Black Forest Gateau in our pudding.”

The Festive Plum Pudding is made with vine fruits (sultanas, raisins and currants), apple cider and spices. Cole’s gently steams the puddings for several hours, so that consumers can quickly reheat them in a microwave.

The Black Forest Christmas Pudding weighs 454g and has an RRP of £6.99. The Festive Plum Pudding weighs 227g and has an RRP of £3.99. Both have a two-year shelf-life from the date of manufacture, and both are suitable for vegetarians.